This will sound tacky, but... if it were me and I were making a bunch of things already, I might just buy Progresso Tomato & Basil soup, and dress it up with fresh basil leaves. I think it's surprisingly good for a commercial soup.

I looked up the mulled cider. It said Rum or brandy. I don't think we have any brandy. It and Gin are the only types of alcohol I dislike.